State #8, South Carolina

November 8 - 11

The ICW takes us on into South Carolina, through a varying terrain, from grassy marsh with "low country" fishermen

past ocean inlets where shrimpers abound and you can pick up fresh seafood at little markets like this one

and past beautiful oceanside resort communities of canal front homes

The last 3 miles from our destination includes the infamous "Rock Pile". This stretch, just north of North Myrtle Beach, is a narrow 2.3 mile cut that had to be blasted out of rock.  Nothing like a challenge to finish the day!

Barefoot Marina in North Myrtle Beach is just across the river from Barefoot Landing shopping and outlet mall.  Just a 20 minute walk across the bridge, there was also a theater that was hosting the "Beach (as in Myrtle Beach) Music Awards".  Apparently this is an annual THING the weekend after the CMA Awards.

These tailgaters were all dressed up in coat/tie and long gowns............  And the place was packed!  You can see the marina just across the ICW in the background.



While they all enjoyed the show, we enjoyed a great happy hour (dinner) next door at the Flying Fish.  It's also a fish market, so we took some lovely fresh grouper home for another meal.


Time for a little peace and quiet!  The next 30 miles takes us along the Waccamaw River where we're seeing true fall colors and spanish moss hanging from the trees - beautiful ride.

Day Dreams in Cow House Creek

 By noon we arrived in Cow House Creek,  behind an island just off the river.  Though off the main waterway, the current was surprising.  It took 2 tries, but by noon, we were anchored securely.  A lazy afternoon followed by fresh fish on the grill ..................

There was some rain overnight, but by 11 it was time for a dinghy cruise across the river to Wacca Wache Marina.  After a nice walk along the golf course, we had a lovely lunch at K Rae's (yummy lobster roll) and then headed back to the boats.